[Berkeley 2nd (3rd Japan time) = Sato Naru]All of the Japanese national teams were training for the first time in preparation for the match against Mexico on the 6th (7th Japan time). Midfielder Captain Endo Kaoru (32, Liverpool) has vowed to win over the two host countries, looking ahead to the North and Central American tournament next year.

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They will compete in two consecutive games against Mexico and the United States (9th, Columbus) ahead of the World Cup, which is approaching the opening nine months later. All experience is a simulation of the actual performance.

“The opponents are definitely good teams, and as the host country, I think they are two teams that have put a lot of effort into it. Of course, I think we can prepare ourselves to compete toughly, take action ourselves, and show our attitude of defeating those teams.”

He believes that the “duel” attacks and defenses in balls, which he is good at, will be the key to winning and losing. “Tactics are important, but in the end, there are some things that can't be discussed if they don't get to the ball. I think Mexico and the United States are host countries, or rather, they'll be doing it at their own home. Especially the first 10 or 15 minutes, that's the battle. I think there's something more important than tactics.”

In the middle, his partner Morita Hidemasa (30, Sporting) and midfielder Tanaka Aoi (26, Leeds), who performed impressively in the Premier League, were injured one after another. It is likely that they will team up with two young players, midfielder Fujita Joruchima (23, St. Pauli) and midfielder Sano Kaishu (24, Mainz), who participated in the final World Cup Asian qualifying round in June.

“I think they'll probably think it's an opportunity and take the starting lineup. I think they should be paying attention to the performances there, and I think they should just focus on showing their good points. I think they're there to make the most of that,” he said as a supporter.

It was overwhelming in Asia. From here on, we will continue to try and error and accelerate our preparations to win the best in the world. “I think this time we'll start by trying to see if we can do the same thing we've done in the final qualifying round against a team that's the same FIFA rank or higher,” he nods. He also raised his expectations, saying, “I think we have as many members as possible, and I don't think we'll be able to see the World Cup win unless we do that, so I'm really looking forward to that, and I think that preparations for the World Cup will finally begin from here.”

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